Management of robotics assembly and cartridge access port of media element storage library

ABSTRACT

Utilities that increase the volume of media elements that can be simultaneously loaded and/or unloaded into or from a storage library, facilitate mounting of media element magazines into a storage library, and limit access to an interior of a storage library by users during operation of robotics assemblies of the storage library. One disclosed utility includes a cartridge access port for use with a storage library that has a storage container that is pivotable (e.g., swingable) between at least first and second positions. In the first position, the storage container is adjacent an opening in the housing of the library for loading and unloading of media elements by a user into or from the container via the opening. After the storage container has swung into the second position, the storage container is spaced from the opening and faces the interior of the library for access by a robotics assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/681,204, entitled “MANAGEMENT OF ROBOTICS ASSEMBLY AND CARTRIDGEACCESS PORT OF MEDIA ELEMENT STORAGE LIBRARY,” and filed on Apr. 8,2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/517,157, entitled “SYSTEM FOR LIMITING ACCESS TO INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTOF STORAGE LIBRARY VIA CARTRIDGE ACCESS PORT,” filed on Oct. 17, 2014,and now U.S. Pat. No. 9,025,275, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein as if set forth in full.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to data storage libraries and,more particularly, to systems and methods of loading a plurality of tapecartridges into a tape library through a common access port.

2. Relevant Background

Storage library systems are often used by enterprises and the like toefficiently store and retrieve data from storage media. In the case ofsome storage libraries, the media may be data cartridges (e.g., tapecartridges) that are typically stored and indexed within a set ofmagazines that may be removably mounted within ports or slots inside thelibrary. When particular data is requested, for instance, a specializedrobotic assembly or mechanism (e.g., robotic module) finds theappropriate cartridge, removes the cartridge from its magazine, andcarries the cartridge to a drive that is designed to receive thecartridge and read its contents. Some storage libraries have multipledrives that can operate concurrently to perform input/output (IO)operations on multiple cartridges.

An important component in the use of an automated storage or tapelibrary is one or more cartridge access ports (CAPs). Generally, a CAPis a port or opening for tape cartridges and/or magazines to passbetween the inside or interior environment of the tape library and theoutside or exterior environment. After tape cartridges have been loadedonto or into respective slots in a magazine, the magazine may then beinserted into the CAP. In the event the tape cartridges are loaded withtheir front surfaces (e.g., including labels, bar codes, etc.) facingaway from the operator (i.e., towards the inside of the tape library),the tape cartridges may be accessed by a robotics assembly within thetape library. When the tape cartridges are loaded with their frontsurfaces facing the operator, a portion of the CAP may be configured torotate the magazine by 180° so that the front surfaces of the tapecartridges face the inside of the tape library for access by therobotics assembly.

SUMMARY

Existing CAPs on storage libraries are often limited in the number ofavailable slots for loading and unloading tape cartridges or other mediaelements. For instance, many existing CAPs include a single opening forreceipt of a single magazine having ten or so slots for receipt ofcorresponding tape cartridges. Even when tape libraries include multipleCAPs, the CAPs are not independently, simultaneously accessible by anoperator, one or more robotics assembly, etc. For example, existing tapelibraries are not configured to allow an operator to load tapecartridges into a first CAP of a tape library while a robotics mechanismwithin the tape library simultaneously unloads tape cartridges from asecond CAP of the tape library (e.g., or while a plurality of roboticsmechanisms within the tape library are simultaneously unloading orloading tape cartridges from or into a plurality of respective CAPs ofthe tape library). Various resulting tape library functionalityinefficiencies include reduced tape cartridge load/unload cycles, longertape cartridge access times, and the like.

In view of the foregoing, the inventors have determined that systems,apparatuses, methods and the like (e.g., utilities) are needed thatincrease the volume of media elements that can be simultaneously loadedand/or unloaded into or from a storage library, facilitate mounting ofmedia element magazines into a storage library, and limit access to aninterior of a storage library by users during operation of roboticsassemblies inside of the storage library. Broadly, disclosed herein is aCAP for use with an automated storage library that includes a mediaelement storage container that is pivotable (e.g., swingable) between atleast first and second positions. In the first position, the storagecontainer is adjacent an opening in a wall of a housing of the tapelibrary for loading and unloading of media elements (e.g., tapecartridges) by a user into or from the storage container via the openingin the housing. As used herein, a “wall” of the housing includesvertical panels or surfaces, horizontal panels or surfaces, and/or thelike. The storage container may include one or more openings for storageof media elements, where the openings face outward through the openingin the housing towards an exterior of the storage library in the firstposition for access by a customer. In the second position, the storagecontainer is spaced from the opening in the housing for access to mediaelements in the storage container by a robotics assembly of the storagelibrary. That is, the one or more openings of the storage container facetowards the interior of the storage library in the second position.

The CAP may include any appropriate arrangement of mechanical and/orelectromechanical components that are configured to limit access to theinterior environment of the storage library when the storage containeris in either of the first or second positions. For instance, the CAP mayadditionally include an access door that is movably (e.g., pivotally,slidably, etc.) attached to the housing between a first positioncovering the opening in the housing and a second position spaced fromthe opening in the housing. A latching assembly may be included thatautomatically locks the access door in its first position over theopening in the housing when the storage container is not in its firstposition adjacent the opening in the housing and automatically unlocksthe access door to allow the access door to be moved into its secondposition spaced from the opening in the housing when the storagecontainer is locked in its first position adjacent the opening in thehousing.

Thus, the access door limits access to the interior of the storagelibrary via the opening in the housing when the storage container is notin its first position (e.g., such as when the storage container ismoving into its second position, when the storage container is fullyseated in its second position, etc.) and the storage container itselflimits access to the interior of the storage library when the storagecontainer is in its first position (so that customers can load or removemedia elements into or from the storage container via the opening in thehousing). In other words, the latching assembly limits or prevents thestorage container and access door from both being in their secondpositions simultaneously (that may otherwise allow for access to theinterior environment of the storage container via the opening in thehousing). In one arrangement, the storage container may be in the formof a cabinet (e.g., “bookshelf,” box, etc.) having a backwall and aplurality of supports (e.g., shelves) extending away from the backwalltowards a front of the cabinet and forming the one or more media elementreceiving openings. In this regard, the backwall may limit access intothe interior of the storage library when the storage container is in itsfirst position.

A particular storage library may have a plurality of the disclosed CAPs,such as where each respective robotics assembly of the storage libraryis associated with a dedicated CAP. In the case of a storage libraryhaving a plurality of rail assemblies along which robotics assembliescan travel or translate (e.g., slide), a respective CAP may be locatedadjacent each of first and second opposite ends of each rail assembly.In this regard, a particular robotics assembly may be operable to slidealong a particular rail assembly to one of the respective CAPs tomanipulate media elements therewith, such as to load media elements intothe storage container of the CAP or to remove media elements from thestorage container of the CAP. Furthermore, multiple different roboticsassemblies may be simultaneously loading and/or unloading media elementsinto or from the storage containers of their respective CAPs based ondifferent commands from a host computer interconnected to the storagelibrary. Still further, users can load or unload media elements into orfrom a storage container of one or more CAPs while different roboticsassemblies are manipulating media elements with respect to storagecontainers of other CAPs of the storage library.

When a user desires to perform an enter or load operation of a mediaelement into the storage library, the user may initially input the enteroperation into the host computer or software in communication with thestorage library. For instance, a user may want to add new blocks ofinformation to the storage library or increase the storage capacity ofthe storage library. As part of processing the enter operation, the hostcomputer may make a number of determinations such as a location of anavailable slot in the library, a particular robotics assembly configuredto manipulate media elements in the slot, the CAP of the particularrobotics assembly, and the like. The host computer may then send acommand to a library controller of the storage library to move thestorage container of the CAP through a loading zone into its firstposition (e.g., via a drive motor disposed adjacent a pivot axis of thestorage container). Before moving the storage container of the CAP intoits first position, the host computer may trigger the robotics assembly(e.g., via a library controller) to unload one or more media elementsfrom the storage container to make room for the media element(s) to beloaded by the user and then to move the robotics assembly out of theloading zone to allow the storage container to be moved into the firstposition.

Movement of the storage container into its first position mayautomatically lock the storage container in the first position andautomatically unlock the access door from its first position to allowthe access door to be moved away from the opening in the housing (e.g.,via the latching assembly). In one arrangement, the latching assemblymay automatically pop open the access door (e.g., move it at leastslightly away from its first position towards the second position)whereby a user may grasp the access door and open it the rest of theway. At this point, the one or more openings of the storage container aswell as any media elements therein may be viewable and accessible to theuser through the opening in the housing of the storage library. In thecase of the storage container being in the form of a bookshelf, theentire bookshelf may be directly presented to the user for easy accessthereof.

At this point, the user may insert one or more media elements into oneor more slots of the storage container (which may require removing oneor more media elements from the storage container to make room for theone or more media elements to be added). The user may then move (e.g.,push) the access door back into its first position over or adjacent theopening in the housing of the storage library. As the access door ispushed so as to be fully seated in its first position, a portion of theaccess door may engage a portion of the latching assembly whichsubstantially simultaneously locks the access door in its first positionand unlocks the storage container. The storage container may then bemoved (e.g., under motor control) through the loading zone back into itssecond position within the storage library. At this stage, the roboticsassembly may, if necessary, be moved (e.g., under control of the librarycontroller via the host system) into the loading zone to manipulatemedia elements of the storage container.

Eject operations may be performed somewhat similarly to theabove-discussed enter operations. For example, the user may input theeject operation into the host computer which may appropriately determinea location of the media element to be ejected and then automaticallytrigger the appropriate robotics assembly to retrieve the media elementand insert the same into the storage container of the respective CAP ofthe robotics assembly. The storage container may then be pivoted (e.g.,under motor control via the library controller and the host computer)into its first position adjacent the corresponding opening in thehousing of the storage library and into engagement with the latchingassembly to lock the storage container in its first position andsubstantially simultaneously unlock the access door. The user may thenopen the access door and remove the one or more media elements from thestorage container.

In some arrangements, users may be able to access a particular CAPdirectly from the storage library rather than having to initiate anaccess command from a host computer. For instance, a series of buttonsor other user manipulable features may be disposed on an outer wall ofthe housing adjacent each respective CAP of the storage library. Eachbutton may be in electrical communication with the library controllerand/or host computer and be configured to convey a different commandthereto. In one arrangement, one button may, when manipulated (e.g.,depressed), be configured to send a “CAP access” command to the librarycontroller. Upon receipt of the command, the library controller maycoordinate with the host computer to move the particular roboticsassembly out of the loading zone of the respective CAP and then pivotthe storage container of the CAP into its first position so as to lockthe storage container in the first position and substantiallysimultaneously unlock the respective access door so that the one or moreopenings of the storage container can be accessed via the opening in thehousing of the storage library.

In one arrangement, one or more ports at various heights in the storagelibrary may be configured to receive media element magazines fromvarious angles to facilitate insertion and removal of the magazines intoand from the ports by users. As an example, upper and lower portions ofthe magazine may include first and second engagement features (e.g.,mounting apparatuses) that are respectively configured to engage withcorresponding first and second engagement features (e.g., mountingapparatuses) adjacent upper and lower portions of a respective port ofthe storage library. The respective engagement features may allow theuser to insert either the top or bottom portion or end of the magazinefirst into the port and then slide the top or bottom portion or endtoward the respective top or bottom portion of the port before insertingthe other of the top or bottom portion or end of the magazine into theport (adjacent the respective other of the top or bottom portion of theport) to fully seat the magazine in the port. The respective engagementfeatures also allow a user to insert the upper and lower portions of themagazine into the upper and lower portions of the port substantiallysimultaneously to fully seat the magazine in the port.

As just one example, a user may find it easier to first insert the upperportion of the magazine into a port and slide the upper portion towardsthe upper portion of the port and then insert the bottom portion of themagazine into the bottom portion of the port when the port is locatedabove waist level or even above head level. To remove the magazine fromthe port, the user may initially grasp and lift either of the upper orlower portions of the magazine to disengage the second engagementfeature adjacent the bottom of the magazine from the second engagementfeature adjacent the bottom of the port. Thereafter, the lower portionof the magazine may be pulled away from the port by pivoting themagazine outwardly about the first engagement feature of the port. Afterthe magazine has at least partially pivoted in this manner, the firstengagement feature adjacent the upper portion of the magazine may be atleast partially slid away from the other first engagement feature of theport and then the entire magazine removed from the port. In onevariation, a user may instead push downwardly on either of the upper orlower portions of the magazine to disengage the first engagement featureadjacent the top of the magazine from the first engagement featureadjacent the top of the port and then pivot the magazine about thesecond engagement feature of the port to facilitate removal of themagazine from the port.

In one arrangement, the ports may be formed in the storage containers ofthe CAPs disclosed herein. In this regard, a user may be able to insertor remove a magazine from a storage container of a CAP in any of themanners discussed herein. In one arrangement, each storage container ofthe CAPs may include a plurality of side by side ports, where each portis configured to receive a respective corresponding magazine.

In one aspect disclosed herein, a method of operating a media elementstorage library includes accessing, by a robotics assembly of the mediaelement storage library, at least one opening in a first position of astorage container that is pivotable through a loading zone of the mediaelement storage library between the first position and a second positionin which the at least one opening in the storage container faces anopening in a wall of the media element storage library through whichusers can access the at least one opening in the storage container.

In another aspect disclosed herein, a method of operating a mediaelement storage library include receiving at least one media element inat least one opening of a storage container through an opening in a wallof the media element storage library; swinging the storage containeraway from the opening in the wall; and removing, by a robotics assembly,the at least one media element from the at least one opening of thestorage container.

In a further aspect disclosed herein, a method of operating a mediaelement storage library includes receiving, at a system controller ofthe media element storage library, a request for a file stored in themedia element storage library; identifying, by the system controller, amedia element within the media element storage library on which the fileis stored; triggering, in response to the identifying, a roboticsassembly within the media element storage library to: retrieve the mediaelement from a slot in the media element storage library and insert themedia element into at least one opening in a storage container; andpivoting the storage container into a position adjacent an opening in awall of the media element storage library so that the media element isaccessible through the opening in the wall.

Any of the embodiments, arrangements, or the like discussed herein maybe used (either alone or in combination with other embodiments,arrangement, or the like) with any of the disclosed aspects. Merelyintroducing a feature in accordance with commonly accepted antecedentbasis practice does not limit the corresponding feature to the singular.Any failure to use phrases such as “at least one” does not limit thecorresponding feature to the singular. Use of the phrase “at leastgenerally,” “at least partially,” “substantially” or the like inrelation to a particular feature encompasses the correspondingcharacteristic and insubstantial variations thereof. Furthermore, areference of a feature in conjunction with the phrase “in oneembodiment” does not limit the use of the feature to a singleembodiment.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to thedrawings and by study of the following descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exterior portion of a storage librarythat includes a plurality of CAPs according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interior portion of the storagelibrary of FIG. 1 with first and second service doors of the storagelibrary being open.

FIG. 3 is an exterior perspective view of one of the CAPs of FIG. 2 witha storage container of the CAP in a first position adjacent an openingthrough a housing of the storage library and an access door of the CAPin an open second position away from the opening through the housing ofthe storage library.

FIG. 4a is an interior perspective view of the storage library of FIG. 1and showing the storage container of the CAP of FIG. 3 in the firstposition.

FIG. 4b is an interior perspective view of the storage library similarto FIG. 4a but showing the storage container of the CAP of FIG. 3 in anintermediate position as it moves through a loading zone of the CAP.

FIG. 4c is an interior perspective view of the storage library similarto FIG. 4b but showing the storage container of the CAP of FIG. 3 in anopen second position within the interior portion of the storage libraryaway from the opening in the housing.

FIG. 5 is an interior perspective view of the CAP of FIG. 3 with thestorage container of the CAP in a second position away from the openingthrough the housing of the storage library and the access door of theCAP in a closed first position adjacent the opening through the housingof the storage library.

FIG. 6a is a front perspective view of a CAP according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6b is a rear perspective view of the CAP of FIG. 6a with a storagecontainer and an access door of the CAP both being in an open position.

FIG. 6c is a plan view of the CAP of FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 7a is a rear perspective view of the CAP similar to that in FIG. 6bbut with the storage container and access door both being in an openposition and with an outer plate being removed from an outer door jambof the CAP to expose a latching assembly of the CAP.

FIG. 7b is a close-up perspective view of the latching assembly of FIG.7 a.

FIG. 7c is a perspective view of the CAP of FIG. 7a and with a portionof the access door broken away to show a portion of the latchingassembly.

FIG. 7d is a close-up perspective view of the portion of the latchingassembly of FIG. 7 c.

FIG. 8a is a sectional view of the latching assembly of FIG. 7a in oneposition with the access door being closed and locked position and thestorage container being in a closed but unlocked position.

FIG. 8b is another sectional view of the latching assembly of FIG. 7a inanother position with the access door being closed and locked positionand the storage container being in a closed but unlocked position.

FIG. 8c is another sectional view of the latching assembly of FIG. 7a inanother position with the access door being in a closed but partiallyunlocked position and the storage container being in a closed butunlocked position.

FIG. 8d is another sectional view of the latching assembly of FIG. 7a inanother position with the access door being in a closed and unlockedposition and the storage container being in a closed and partiallylocked position.

FIG. 8e is another sectional view of the latching assembly of FIG. 7a inanother position with the access door being in a closed and unlockedposition and the storage container being in a closed and partiallylocked position.

FIG. 8f is another sectional view of the latching assembly of FIG. 7a inanother position with the access door being in a closed and unlockedposition and the storage container being in a closed and partiallylocked position.

FIG. 8g is another sectional view of the latching assembly of FIG. 7a inanother position with the access door being in a closed and unlockedposition and the storage container being in a closed and fully lockedposition.

FIG. 8h is another sectional view of the latching assembly of FIG. 7a inanother position with the access door being in a closed and lockedposition and the storage container being in a closed and unlockedposition.

FIG. 8i is another sectional view of the latching assembly of FIG. 7a inanother position with the access door being in a closed and lockedposition and the storage container being in an unlocked position andopened slightly from the position of FIG. 8 f.

FIG. 9a is a first exploded perspective view of a media element magazineconfigured for receipt in a port of a storage library according to anembodiment.

FIG. 9b is a second exploded perspective view of the media elementmagazine of FIG. 9a configured for receipt in a port of a storagelibrary according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10a is a side view of FIGS. 9a -9 b.

FIG. 10b is a close-up side view of a top portion of the port of FIGS.9a -9 b.

FIG. 10c is a close-up perspective view of the top portion of the portof FIGS. 9a -9 b.

FIG. 10d is a close-up side view of a bottom portion of the port ofFIGS. 9a -9 b.

FIG. 10e is a close-up perspective view of the bottom portion of theport of FIGS. 9a -9 b.

FIG. 10f is a close-up perspective view of the top portion of themagazine of FIGS. 9a -9 b.

FIG. 10g is a close-up perspective view of the bottom portion of themagazine of FIGS. 9a -9 b.

FIG. 11a is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atone stage of a first manner of installation of the magazine into theport.

FIG. 11b is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the first manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 11c is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the first manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 11d is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the first manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 11e is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the first manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 11f is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the first manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 11g is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the first manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 12a is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atone stage of a second manner of installation of the magazine into theport.

FIG. 12b is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the second manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 12c is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the second manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 12d is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the second manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 12e is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the second manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 13a is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atone stage of a third manner of installation of the magazine into theport.

FIG. 13b is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the third manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 13c is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the third manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 13d is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the third manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 13e is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the third manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 14a is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atone stage of a fourth manner of installation of the magazine into theport.

FIG. 14b is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the fourth manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

FIG. 14c is a sectional view of the magazine and port of FIGS. 9a-9b atanother stage of the fourth manner of installation of the magazine intothe port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are utilities that increase the volume of mediaelements that can be simultaneously loaded and/or unloaded into or froma storage library, facilitate mounting of media element magazines into astorage library, and limit access to an interior of a storage library byusers during operation of robotics assemblies inside of the storagelibrary. One of the disclosed utilities includes a CAP (or media elementaccess port) for use with an automated storage library that has a mediaelement storage container that is pivotable (e.g., swingable) between atleast first and second positions. In the first position, the storagecontainer is adjacent an opening in a housing of the tape library forloading and unloading of media elements (e.g., tape cartridges) by auser into or from the storage container via the opening in the housing.After the storage container has swung into the second position, thestorage container is spaced from the opening in the housing and facesthe interior of the storage library for access by a robotics assembly tomedia elements in the storage container.

A storage library may include a plurality of the disclosed CAPs forrespective access by a respective plurality of robotics assembliesinside the storage library. Each of the CAPs may be independently andsimultaneously manipulatable by users and/or by respective roboticsassemblies in different manners to increase the efficiency andthroughput of the storage library. For instance, a user may be loadingmedia elements into the storage container of one CAP of a storagelibrary at the same time that one or more robotics assemblies aregrabbing and removing media elements from (and/or loading media elementsinto) the storage containers of one or more respective other CAPs of thestorage library (e.g., CAPs that are above or below the first CAP,across from the first CAP, etc.).

With initial reference to FIGS. 1-5, one embodiment of a storage library100 is illustrated in which a plurality of CAPs 200 as disclosed hereinmay be incorporated. Broadly, the storage library 100 may be a datastorage and retrieval system for one or more hosts, computers, servers,and/or the like. In this regard, the storage library 100 may be designedfor handling and storing a plurality of media elements and for readingand writing to the media elements using media element players. As usedherein, a media element denotes any physical substrate suitable forstoring data, such as a tape cartridge. A media element player may be amedia element reader and/or writer (such as a tape drive) thattranslates the data stored on a media element into signals readable by acomputer and/or server for reading and writing operations on mediaelements in response to command from a host, computer and/or server.While FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a storage library, it is tobe understood that CAPs and other utilities disclosed herein may beutilized in numerous other arrangements and contexts in which it isdesired to safely, securely and efficiently load and unload components,objects, devices etc. into or from any appropriate storage arrangement.

Generally, the storage library 100 may include a housing 104 in the formof a framework of vertical or horizontal framing members that arecovered by a plurality of vertical and horizontal wall or panel members(not labeled) and that form an interior portion or environment 120(labeled in FIGS. 2 and 4 a-4 c) for storing media elements and mediaplayers. A plurality of removable media element modules 126 (e.g.,magazines, see FIGS. 2 and 4 a-4 c) of any appropriate form factors maybe removably secured to interior walls of the housing 104 inside theinterior portion 120 of the housing 104 in any appropriate manner (vialatches, thumbscrews, and/or the like). Each media element storagemodule 126 may include one or more cells or slots (not labeled) forreceipt of one or more corresponding media elements and/or mediaplayers.

To manipulate one or more of the media elements within the housing 104,the storage library 100 may include a plurality of robotics assemblies128 that are respectively configured to slide along rail assemblies 132within the housing 104 under control of a library controller or controlunit via commands received from a host computer. As just one example,first and second robotics assemblies 128 ₁, 128 ₂ (see FIG. 2) may eachbe configured to slide or translate along one or more of the railsassemblies 132 at a particular level (e.g., height) of the storagelibrary 100 for manipulating media elements at the particular level(e.g., removing media elements from a media element storage module 126and inserting the same into a media element player or vice versa,reading labels on the media players or media elements, reading labels ofmedia elements, unloading media elements from respective first andsecond CAPs 200 and loading the media elements into a media elementstorage module 126 or media player of the storage library 100 asdiscussed in more detail below, etc.). One or more additional roboticsassemblies 128 may be configured to slide along respective railassemblies 132 at one or more additional levels of the storage library100 for manipulation of media elements thereof (see FIGS. 4a-4c ).

One or more service doors, such as first and second service doors 108,112 of the housing 104 may be respectively opened (e.g., such aspivoting the first and second service doors 108, 112 about respectiveaxes 109, 113) to provide walk-in access to the interior portion 120 ofthe storage library 100 (e.g., such as to perform any necessarymaintenance or service on components within the interior portion 120while robotics assemblies 128 within the interior portion 120 are not inservice). Each rail assembly 132 may generally include a first end 136adjacent the first service door 108 and an opposite second end 140adjacent the second service door 112. In one arrangement, each roboticsassembly 128 may be generally configured to slide along a substantialentirety of a particular rail assembly 132 between its first and secondends 136, 140.

In the case where two or more robotics assemblies 128 are engaged withthe same rail assemblies 132 on the same level of the storage library100, each of such robotics assemblies 128 may be configured to slide orotherwise move only along particular sections of the rail assemblies.For instance, first robotics assembly 1281 of FIG. 2 may be configuredto generally slide between first end 136 of rail assemblies 132 and asubstantial midpoint of the rail assemblies 132 (e.g., in the back ofstorage library 100, not visible in FIG. 2) while second roboticsassembly 1282 of FIG. 2 may be configured to generally slide betweensecond end 136 of rail assemblies 132 and a substantial midpoint of therail assemblies 132. As another example, each of the first and secondrobotics assemblies 128 ₁, 128 ₂ may be configured to slide along asubstantial entirety of the rail assemblies 132 between the first andsecond ends 136, 140 (e.g., but not past the other of the first andsecond robotics assemblies 128 ₁, 128 ₂.

While the first and second service doors 108, 112 could be opened toallow users to insert and remove media elements into or from theinterior portion of the housing 104, doing so would generally beimpractical due to the need to shut or power down one or more of therobotics assemblies 128 and/or other components or equipment within theinterior portion 120 of the housing 104 to limit injury to the users anddamage to such equipment. In this regard, the storage library 100includes a plurality of CAPs 200 disposed within respective openings 116through the housing 104 of the storage library 100 that allow users toinsert media elements into and remove media elements from the interiorportion 120 of the storage library 100 via the CAPs 200 free of havingto open the service doors 108, 112 and/or shut down or take roboticsassemblies 128 and other components within the interior portion 120 outof service. Even though each of the openings 116 (and thus the CAPs 200)is shown as being disposed through one of the first or second servicedoors 108, 112, the openings 116 and CAPs 200 may in other embodimentsbe disposed through other walls or portions of the housing 104 (e.g.,non-movable walls) to facilitate insertion and removal of media elementsinto and from the interior portion 120 of the housing 104. A pluralityof CAPs 200 may be arranged along horizontal and/or vertical axes.

At least one opening 116 and a respective CAP 200 may be disposed ateach respective level (e.g., height) of the storage library 100 so as toallow users to access media elements on each level of the storagelibrary 100. As shown, each level of the storage library 100 may havefirst and second CAPs 200, such as a first CAP 200 in the first servicedoor 108 adjacent the first end 136 of the rail assemblies 128 forrobotics assemblies 132 that manipulate media elements on the level anda second CAP 200 in the second service door 112 adjacent the second end140 of the rail assemblies 128 for robotics assemblies 132 thatmanipulate media elements on the level. In the case where each level ofthe storage library 100 includes a single robotics assembly 128, eachrobotics assembly 128 may be able to access either the first CAP 200 ofthe first service door 108 or the second CAP 200 of the second servicedoor 112 (e.g., by sliding along the rail assemblies 128 to either thefirst or second end 136, 140). In the case where each level of thestorage library 100 includes first and second robotics assemblies 128,such as first and second robotics assemblies 128 ₁, 128 ₂ of FIG. 2, thefirst robotics assembly 128 ₁ may be configured to access the first CAP200 of the first service door 108 and the second robotics assembly 128 ₂may be configured to access the second CAP 200 of the second servicedoor 112.

Broadly, each CAP 200 includes a storage container 204 that isconfigured to pivot or swing within the interior portion 120 about apivot axis 216 from a first position adjacent the respective opening 116in the housing 104 (see storage container 204 of CAP 200 ₃ in FIGS. 1, 3and 4 a) through a respective “loading zone” 124 of the storage library100 (see storage container 204 of CAP 200 ₃ in FIG. 4b ) to a secondposition spaced from the opening 116 (see storage container 204 of CAP200 ₃ in FIGS. 4c and 5). Each storage container 204 may generallyinclude a body or housing 220 of any appropriate shape and form (e.g.,in the form of a box, “bookshelf,” etc.) that includes at least oneopening 224 for receipt of one or more media elements and a back or rearwall 226 (see FIGS. 4a and 5) that prevents or limits media elementsand/or other items (e.g., human hands) from passing all the way throughthe storage container 204. The storage container 204 of each CAP 200 maybe pivotally secured to or relative to the housing 104 about the pivotaxis 216 in any appropriate manner. For instance, a first bracket member280 that is rigidly or otherwise non-movably secured to the storagecontainer 204 may be appropriately pivotally secured to a second bracketmember or assembly 282 that is rigidly or otherwise non-movably securedto the housing 104. See FIGS. 4a, 4c and 5.

In this regard, the storage container 204 may also be considered a doorthat, when in its closed first position, prevents or inhibits accessinto the interior portion 120 of the storage library 100. In onearrangement, the at least one opening 224 may include a plurality ofslots or cells 228 (see FIGS. 3 and 5), each of which is sized forreceipt of a respective corresponding media element (e.g., such as witha label of the media element facing outward away from the storagecontainer 204). In one variation, the opening 224 of the storagecontainer 204 may be sized for receipt of one or more media elementstorage modules 230 (e.g., magazines), where each media element storagemodule includes a plurality of slots 228 therein.

In the first position (e.g., see FIG. 3), the opening 224 (and slots228) of the storage container 204 faces outwards through the respectiveopening 116 of the housing 104 towards an exterior environment outsideof the storage container 204 so that users may load or unload mediaelements (e.g., tape cartridges) into or from the slots 228 of thestorage container 204 via the respective opening 116 in the housing 104(e.g., such as after one or more appropriate commands have been sentfrom a host computer to a library controller of the storage library100). In the second position (e.g., see storage containers 204 of CAPs200 ₁, 200 ₂, 200 ₄ in FIGS. 4a-4c and storage containers 204 of CAP 200₃ FIG. 4c ), the opening 224 and slots 228 of the storage container 204face the interior portion 120 of the housing 104 so that a roboticsassembly 128 on the particular level of the storage library 100 canmanipulate media elements of the storage container 204.

With reference to FIGS. 4a-4c , for instance, it can be seen how storagecontainers 204 are disposed against the inside wall(s) of the housing104 (e.g., where back walls 226 are disposed adjacent the inside wallsof the housing 104) in a manner similar to the media element storagemodules 126 of the housing 104. More specifically, the storagecontainers 204 may generally have a similar profile to those of themedia element storage modules 126 within the housing 104. In thisregard, each robotics assembly 128 may be able to slide along the railassemblies 132 over a particular storage container 204 and manipulatemedia elements of the storage container (e.g., inserting or removingmedia elements) in the same manner as if the robotics assembly 128 wasmanipulating media element storage modules 126 on the same level in thestorage library. The library controller and host computer maycommunicate to move a robotics assembly 128 out of the loading zone 124of a particular CAP 200 before the storage container 204 of the CAP 200swings from the first position to the second position or vice versa(e.g., via a motor 234 configured to pivot the storage container 204about the pivot axis 216 between the first and second positions, seeFIGS. 2b and 5).

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3-4 c, each CAP 200 may also include atleast one access door 208 that is movably mounted to or relative thehousing 104 between at least a closed, first position that covers anopening 116 in the housing and thereby limits access to the interiorportion 120 of the housing (e.g., see access doors 208 of CAPs 200 ₁,200 ₂, 200 ₄ of FIGS. 1 and 4 a-4 c) and an open, second position wherethe access door 208 is spaced from the opening 116 in the housing 104and allows access to the opening 224 or slots 228 of the storagecontainer 204 of the CAP 200 (e.g., when the storage container 204 is inits first position adjacent the opening 116, see access door 208 of CAP200 ₁ of FIGS. 1 and 3). In one arrangement, the access door 208 may bepivotally secured to or relative to the housing 104 about a pivot axis238 (see FIG. 3) between the first and second positions. As an example,the access door 208 may be pivotally secured to or relative to one ofthe first or second service doors 108, 112 of the housing 104. Forinstance, the access door 208 may be movably secured to a framingassembly 212 that is rigidly or otherwise non-movably secured to one ofthe first or second service doors 108, 112 within one of the openings116. When the access door 208 is pivotally secured to one of the firstor second service doors 108, 112, the pivot axis 238 may thus be movablerelative to the pivot axis 216 about which the storage container 204pivots or swings (e.g., during pivoting of the one of the first orsecond service doors 108, 112). In another arrangement (not shown), theaccess door 208 may be slidably secured to or relative to the housing104 (e.g., one of the first and second access doors 108, 112) betweenthe first and second positions (e.g., such as where opposite lateraledges of the access door 208 are slidably received in correspondingspaced tracks or grooves on the first or second doors 108, 112 of thehousing).

Each access door 208 may generally be in the form of a body or housingthat prevents or limits access through the opening 116 in the housing104 (e.g., and thus into the interior portion 120 of the housing 104)when the access door is in the closed, first position. As just oneexample, each access door 208 may include an outer frame 242 and asubstantially solid panel 246 (e.g., transparent glass, metal,composites) secured thereto or thereacross, where the outer frame 242and panel 246 are sized for close receipt in and over the opening 116 inthe housing 104 (e.g., see FIGS. 1 and 3).

As discussed previously, it is important to prevent or limit user accessinto the interior portion 120 of the housing 104 of the storage library100 to correspondingly limit contact between users and components withinthe interior portion 120 such as moving robotics assemblies 128,electrical connections, and the like. In this regard, each CAP 200 andthe library controller of the storage library work in concert to atleast substantially ensure that at least one of the access door 208 orthe storage container 204 of each CAP 200 is in its first position overand adjacent the opening 116 in the housing 116 at all times.

To further understand how user access into the interior portion 120 ofthe housing 104 of the storage library 100 through any of the openings116 is prevented or at least limited, a couple of examples offunctionality of the CAPs 200 and storage library 100 will now beprovided (although it is to be understood that the functionalityencompassed herein is not limited to the ensuing examples). Initially,assume a user loads a plurality of media elements into the slots 228 ofthe storage container 204 of CAP 200 ₃ (see FIGS. 1 and 3). Forinstance, the user may have accessed any appropriate host computer incommunication with the library controller of the storage library 100 andinputted any appropriate storage library access operation into the hostcomputer (e.g., an enter or load operation to load media elements intothe storage library 100 and/or an eject operation to remove mediaelements from the storage library 100). In conjunction with processingthe enter operation, the host computer and/or library controller mayhave determined in any appropriate manner that media elements are to beloaded into and/or removed from the storage container 204 of CAP 200 ₃.For instance, the media player into which one of the media elements isto be inserted is located on the same level of the storage library 100as CAP 200 ₃ or there are available media element storage modules 126 onthe same level of the storage library 100 as CAP 200 ₃.

In any case, the storage container 204 of CAP 200 ₃ may be locked in thefirst position shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 a while the user loads mediaelements into or removes media elements from the storage container 204of CAP 200 ₃ (e.g., where the storage container 204 of the 200 ₃prevents or at least limits user access into the interior portion 120 ofthe storage library 104, such as via the back wall 226 of the storagecontainer 204). More specifically, the CAP 200 ₃ and/or librarycontroller of the storage library 100 may function to ensure that whenthe access door 208 has at least partially moved away from its firstposition adjacent and covering the opening 116 towards the secondposition (e.g., but not necessarily all the way to the position shown inFIG. 3), the storage container 204 of the CAP 200 ₃ is automaticallylocked in the first position adjacent and over the opening 116 (as shownin FIGS. 1 and 3).

The term “locked” (and variations thereof, such as lock, locks, etc.) asused herein means that the storage container 204 is unable to be movedout of or away from the first position absent administrator override orthe access door 208 being moved (e.g., pivoted) back into its fullyclosed, first position over the opening 116 (e.g., like access doors 208of CAPs 200 ₁, 200 ₂, 200 ₄ of FIGS. 1 and 4 a-4 c). As will bediscussed in more detail below in relation to FIGS. 6a-8i , each CAP 200may include a mechanical latching assembly 300 that ensures that atleast one of the storage container 204 or access door 208 of the CAP 200is in its closed, first position over the opening 116 in the housing 104at all times. In the above example, the latching assembly 300 thusdisallows movement of the access door 208 of the CAP 200 ₃ away from itsclosed, first position (e.g., and into the open, second position shownin FIG. 3) unless the storage container 204 of the CAP 200 ₃ is in itsclosed, first position.

Conversely, closure of the access door 208 of the CAP 200 ₃ into itsfirst position over the opening 116 (e.g., see position of access door208 of the CAP 200 ₃ in FIGS. 4b, 4c and 5; also for reference seeaccess doors 208 of CAPs 200 ₁, 200 ₂, 200 ₄ in FIGS. 1 and 4 a-4 c)unlocks the storage container 204 of the CAP 200 ₃ and allows thestorage container 204 to be moved (e.g., pivoted via motor 234 andlibrary controller) through the loading zone 124 of the CAP 200 ₃ andinto its second position within the interior portion 120 of the housing104, such as against an interior wall of the housing 104 adjacent one ormore media element storage modules 126 within the housing 104. As justone example, the storage container 204 may pivot through no more thanabout 90° between its first and second positions.

The library controller of the storage library 100 prevents or at leastlimits any robotics assemblies 128 of the storage library 100 frommoving into one or more particular loading zones 124 when storagecontainers 204 of CAPs 200 of the one or more particular loading zones124 are moving from their first positions into their second positions orvice versa. For instance, the library controller may, in response to aload or eject request from a host computer, and in conjunction withdetermining a particular CAP 200 of the storage library 100 to beinvolved in the load or eject procedure (e.g., in this case, CAP 200 ₃),move any robotics assemblies 128 out of the loading zone 124 of theparticular CAP 200 (e.g., along rail assemblies 132) and also inhibitthe robotics assemblies 128 from moving into the loading zone 124 whenthe storage container 204 of the particular CAP 200 is moving betweenthe first and second positions. In one arrangement, the librarycontroller may inhibit any robotics assemblies 128 from moving into theloading zone 124 of a particular CAP 200 unless the storage container204 of the particular CAP 200 is in its second position against theinner wall of the housing 104 (e.g., like storage containers 204 of CAPs200 ₁, 200 ₂, 200 ₄ in FIGS. 4a-4c ).

Again with reference to the above example, and once the storagecontainer 204 of the CAP 200 ₃ has been fully seated and locked in itssecond position within the interior portion 120 (e.g., via the motor 234under control of the library controller) so that the slots 228 arefacing the interior portion 120 (e.g., see FIG. 4c ), a roboticsassembly 128 may, under control of the library controller, slide alongthe rail assemblies 132 into the loading zone 124 of the CAP 200 ₃ andmanipulate media elements in the slots 228 of the storage container 204of the CAP 200 ₃ (robotics assembly 128 not shown for CAP 200 ₃ in FIG.4c but see robotics assemblies 128 in loading zones 124 of CAPs 200 ₁and CAP 200 ₄ in FIG. 4c ). For instance, the robotics assembly 128 maygrab and remove one or more media elements from the storage container ofthe CAP 200 ₃, slide along rail assemblies 132 to one or more mediaplayers, and insert the media elements into the one or more mediaplayers. Alternatively, the robotics assembly 128 may insert the one ormore media elements into one or more media element storage modules 126for later use. Still further, the robotics assembly 128 may grab andremove one or more media elements from one or more media players ormedia element storage modules 126, slide down into the loading zone 124of the CAP 200 ₃, and insert or load the same into one or more slots 228of the storage container 204.

Upon a subsequent request to access the storage container 204 of the CAP200 ₃, the library controller may move any robotics assemblies 128 outof the loading zone of the CAP 200 ₃ and operate the motor 234 of theCAP 200 ₃ to pivot the storage container 204 about pivot axis 216 intothe first position against and adjacent the opening 116 of the housing104 (e.g., see FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 a). Again as will be discussed in moredetail below in relation to FIGS. 6a-8i , moving the storage container204 into the closed position against or adjacent the opening 116automatically causes the latching assembly 300 of the CAP 200 ₃ to lockthe storage container 204 of the 200 ₃ in the first position over theopening 116 and substantially simultaneously unlock the access door 208of the CAP 200 ₃ to allow the access door 208 to be opened or moved(e.g., under user power) into its open, second position so that mediaelements may be inserted into and/or removed from the storage container204.

While an example operation involving CAP 200 ₃ was discussed, it is tobe understood that the various other CAPs 200 and corresponding roboticsassemblies 128 may function in a similar regard. Furthermore, each CAP200 and its corresponding robotics assembly 128 may be operatedindependently of the various other CAPs 200 and their respectiverobotics assemblies 128. As just one example, the storage container 204of the CAP 200 ₃ may be in the first position (and its access door 208in its open, second position) for loading of media elements by a userwhile at the same time the storage containers 204 of CAPs 200 ₁ and 200₄ are in their second positions (and their access doors 208 in theirclosed, first positions) for access to media elements of the storagecontainers 204 by their respective robotics assemblies). Thisarrangement advantageously increases media element load/unload cyclesand reduces media element access times.

Turning now to FIGS. 6a-6c , various views of a CAP 200 according to oneembodiment are illustrated (e.g., any of the CAPs 200 of FIGS. 1-5). Asshown, the CAP 200 broadly includes a framing assembly 212 that isconfigured (e.g., sized, dimensioned, etc.) to be received in an opening116 of the housing 104, where the storage container 204 is pivotallysecurable adjacent a first side of the framing assembly 212 and theaccess door 208 is movably (e.g., pivotally) securable adjacent anopposite second side of the framing assembly 212. The framing assembly212 may include a body 250 that is generally shaped and sized to bereceived within the opening 116 of the housing. The body 250 defines anopening 252 through which media elements can be inserted into andremoved from the at least one opening 224 (e.g., slots 228) of thestorage container 204. The body 250 may include first and second spacedvertical members 258, 260 (e.g., jambs) that are appropriately rigidlyconnected to first and second spaced horizontal members 262, 264 andthat collectively define the opening 252 of the body 250.

In one arrangement, the storage container 204 may be pivotally securedto one of the first and second vertical members 258, 260 (e.g., to thefirst vertical member 258) on a first side of the body 250 to pivotabout pivot axis 216. In another arrangement, the storage container 204may be pivotally secured to a portion of the housing 104 that does notmove with first or second service doors 108, 112 (i.e., so that openingof one of the first or second service doors 108, 112 when the storagecontainer 204 is in its open second position within the interior portion120 does not necessarily move the storage container 204). With referenceto FIGS. 4a and 5, for instance, a first bracket member 280 that isrigidly or otherwise non-movably secured to the storage container 204may be appropriately pivotally secured to a second bracket member orassembly 282 that is rigidly or otherwise non-movably secured to aservice door jamb 284 of the housing 104 (e.g., a vertical jamb forfirst service door 108 that is adjacent or near first vertical member258 of framing assembly 212, where first service door 108 moves (e.g.,pivots) relative to service door jamb 284). In this regard, the storagecontainer 204 may pivot or swing towards and away from the first side ofthe framing assembly 212 via the first and second bracketmembers/assemblies 280, 282.

The access door 208 may be pivotally securable (e.g., via hinge assembly286) to or relative to one of the first and second vertical members 258,260 (e.g., also relative to the first vertical member 258) on anopposite second side of the body 250 to pivot about pivot axis 238. Inone arrangement, the storage container 204 may be considered a “firstdoor” of the CAP 200 and the access door 208 may be considered a “seconddoor” of the CAP 200.

The framing assembly 212 may also include a bezel 254 secured to thebody 250 and generally extending about an outer periphery of the body250, where the bezel 254 has an outer cross-dimension that is greaterthan an inner cross-dimension of the opening 116 in the housing 104(e.g., opening 116 in the first or second service door 108, 112) tofacilitate mounting of the CAP 200 to the housing 104. For instance, thebody 250 of the framing assembly 212 of a particular CAP 200 may beinserted into a particular opening 116 in one of the first or secondservice doors 108, 112 of the housing 104 from the exterior environmentinto the interior portion 120 of the housing 104 until the bezel 254contacts the outer surface of the one of the first or second servicedoors 108, 112. The body 250 may then be secured in any appropriatemanner to the one of the first or second service doors 108, 112 so thatthe body 250 is rigidly attached to (e.g. non-movable relative to) theone of the first or second service doors 108, 112. For instance,fasteners may be threaded through apertures in the first and secondvertical members 258, 260 and/or first and second horizontal members262, 264 and into opposing inside portions of the one of the first orsecond service doors 108, 112 surrounding the opening 116. Additionallyor alternatively, fasteners may be inserted through apertures in thebezel 254 and into corresponding apertures of the first or secondservice door 108, 112.

As mentioned above, each CAP 200 includes a mechanical latching assembly300 that prevents or inhibits customer access to the interior portion120 of the storage library 100 via the opening 116 in the housing 104(and the opening 252 in the framing assembly 212) by mechanicallydisallowing one of the storage container 204 and access door 208 frommoving into its open, second position away from the opening in thehousing 104 and the opening 252 in the framing assembly 212 unless theother of the storage container 204 and access door 208 is locked in itsclosed, first position over and adjacent the opening in the housing 104and the opening 252 in the framing assembly 212. With reference now toFIGS. 7a, 7b and 8a , the latching assembly 300 includes first andsecond interconnected latch members or levers 304, 308 that arepivotally connected to the second vertical member 260 of the framingassembly 212 at respective spaced, parallel pivot axes 306, 310 (e.g.,that are perpendicular to the pivot axes 216, 238), such as viarespective pivot pins or the like disposed through the levers and intothe second vertical member 260 (note that an outer support plate (notlabeled) of the second vertical member 260 of the framing assembly 212has been removed for clarity in FIGS. 7a-8i as compared to FIGS. 6a-6b). Broadly, the first and second interconnected levers 304, 308 areconfigured to automatically lock one of the storage container 204 oraccess door 208 (e.g., prevent or inhibit movement of one of the storagecontainer 204 or access door 208 relative to the framing assembly 212and the one of the first and second service doors 108, 112 (or otherportion of the housing 104) to which the framing assembly 212 is rigidlysecured) when the other of the storage container 204 or access door 208is unlocked (e.g., allowed to move away from the framing assembly 212 orother portion of the housing 104 to which the framing assembly 212 isrigidly secured).

Each of the first and second levers 304, 308 includes a respectivelocking portion or arm 312, 316 on one side of its respective pivot axis306, 310 that is configured to mechanically engage with a correspondingportion of one of the storage container 204 and access door 208 toprevent or inhibit movement thereof relative to the framing assembly 212(and thus the openings 116, 252). Furthermore, each of the first andsecond levers 304, 308 includes a respective release portion or arm 320,324 on an opposite side of its respective pivot axis 306, 310 andrigidly (e.g., non-movably) connected to the respective locking portion312, 316 that, when manipulated by an external force as discussed below,moves (e.g., pivots) its respective locking portion 312, 316 out oflocking engagement with the one of the storage container 204 or accessdoor 208. A biasing member 328 (e.g., coil spring or the like)interconnects the first and second levers 304, 308 in a manner to inducerotation of one of the first or second levers 304, 308 about itsrespective pivot axis 306, 310 in one of a clockwise or counterclockwisedirection in response to the other of the first or second latch members304, 308 being rotated about its respective pivot axis 306, 310 in theother of the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In this regard,manipulation of one of the release arms 320, 324 in one of a clockwiseor counterclockwise direction about its respective pivot axis 306, 310to release its corresponding locking portion 312, 316 from one of thestorage container 204 or access door 208 automatically pulls (via thebiasing member 328) the other of the locking portions 312, 316 in theother of the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about its pivotaxis 306, 310 into locking engagement with the other of the storagecontainer 204 or access door 208.

With continued reference to FIGS. 7a, 7b and 8a , each of the storagecontainer 204 and access door 208 includes a respective trigger member332, 336 (e.g., which may be considered part of the latching assembly300) that is configured to engage the release arm 324, 320 of the secondand first levers 308, 304, respectively, when the storage container 204and access door 208 are moved into their closed, first positions. As anexample, the trigger member 336 of the access door 208 may be in theform of a rigid tab (e.g., protrusion, etc.) that is rigidly connectedto (non-movable relative to) a portion of the access door 208 so as toalign with, contact, and forcibly move and pivot the release arm 320 ofthe first lever 304 about the pivot axis 306 (e.g., in a clockwisedirection) against the spring force of the biasing member 328 uponclosure of the access door 208 into its closed, first position. Forinstance, the trigger member 336 may be secured to a portion of theouter frame 242 of the access door 208 on a side of the outer frame 242opposite the side through which the pivot axis 238 extends.

The trigger member 332 of the storage container 204 may generally beconfigured to align with, contact, and forcibly move and pivot therelease arm 324 of the second lever 308 about the pivot axis 310 (e.g.,in a clockwise direction) against the spring force of the biasing member328 upon closure of the storage container 204 into its closed, firstposition in first movement direction 360. In one arrangement, thetrigger member 332 may be in the form of a spring-loaded tab that isconfigured to forcibly urge the release arm 324 about the pivot axis 310when the storage container 204 is being moved into its closed, firstposition in the first movement direction 360 and that is configured tobe forcibly urged and pivoted about a pivot axis 340 (e.g., in aclockwise direction) when the storage container 204 is being moved outof its closed, first position and towards its open, second position inan opposite second movement direction 364. For instance, the storagecontainer 204 may include a stop member 344 that is rigidly connected to(non-movable relative to) a portion of the storage container 204 andthat contacts the trigger member 332 and inhibits the trigger member 332from furthermore movement in a counterclockwise direction about pivotaxis 340 either in response to a biasing force applied by biasing member348 or a return force applied by release member 324.

As shown, the trigger member 332 may include a cam surface 352 that isconfigured to convert motion of the trigger member 332 (and thus storagecontainer 204 as a whole) in the first movement direction 360 into arotational or pivoting movement of the release arm 324 about pivot axis310 (e.g., upwards in a clockwise direction) upon contact of the camsurface 352 with the release arm 324. To reduce friction and facilitatethe camming action of the cam surface 352, the end of the release arm324 may include a wheel 356 (e.g., or roller) pivotally attached theretoagainst which the cam surface 352 is configured to contact duringmovement of the storage container 204 in the first direction 360. Whilethe wheel 356 is illustrated as being pivotally attached to the releasearm 324, the reverse arrangement is also encompassed herein whereby thewheel 356 is disposed on the trigger member 332 and the cam surface 352is disposed on the end of the release arm 324.

Each of the storage container 204 and access door 208 includes asecurement member 368, 372 that is configured to engage with the lockingportions 312, 316 of the first and second levers 304, 308, respectively,to inhibit movement of the storage container 204 and access door 208away from their closed, first positions. The securement member 368 maybe rigidly attached or connected to (non-movable relative to) thehousing 220 of the storage container 204 while the securement member 372may be rigidly attached or connected to (non-movable relative to) theouter frame 242 or other portion of the access door 208.

In one arrangement, the securement member 372 of the access door 208 maybe an edge of a wall 380 of the access door 208 against which a tooth378 (e.g. projection) of the locking portion 316 is configured toengage. For instance, the tooth 378 (e.g., projection) of the lockingportion 316 may be configured to enter an aperture 379 through the wall380 as the access door 208 is being moved in a first direction 374 intoits closed, first position and then snap past and engage the edge of thewall 380 so as to inhibit movement of the access door 208 in an oppositesecond direction 376 towards its open, second position. While notlabeled, the tooth 378 may include a cam surface that is configured toengage the edge of wall 380 and facilitate snapping of the tooth 378past the edge of the wall 380 and subsequent engagement therewith.

The securement member 368 of the storage container 204 may be in theform of protrusion or projection past which a tooth 382 of the lockingportion 312 of the first lever 304 is configured to snap and engage withthe storage container 204 moving in the first direction 360 to inhibitsubsequent movement of the storage container 204 in the opposite seconddirection 364. In one arrangement, the locking portion 312 may include aseries of notches 384 (e.g., stepped portions) to allow for increasingdegrees of locking engagement between the locking portion 312 and thesecurement member 368 (and thus increasing degrees of locking of thestorage container 204 against the framing assembly 212 and the opening116 in the housing 104). In one variation and as shown in FIG. 7b , thetrigger member 332 and securement member 368 may be embodied in a singlemember or component that may be secured to an outer side surface 205 ofthe storage container 204 in any appropriate manner.

To facilitate the reader's understanding of how the various componentsof the latching assembly 300 interact to maintain one of the storagecontainer 204 or access door 208 in its first, closed position atsubstantially all times, reference will now be made to FIGS. 8a-8i whichillustrate various operational stages of the latching assembly 300. Notall reference numerals are included on each of FIGS. 8a-8i in theinterest of clarity.

As seen in FIG. 8a , the access door 208 is locked in its closed, firstposition against the framing assembly 212 of the CAP 200 by way oflocking engagement between the locking portion 316 of the second leverand the securement member 372 of the access door 208 (where the accessdoor 208 is generally unable to be moved away from the framing assembly212 towards its open, second position. In its closed, first position asdiscussed previously, the access door 208 inhibits user access into theinterior portion 120 of the storage library 100 via the opening 116through the housing 104 (e.g., through one of the first and secondservice doors 108, 112). See access doors 208 of CAPs 200 ₁, 200 ₂, 200₄ in FIGS. 1 and 4 a-4 c. As also seen in FIG. 8a , the storagecontainer 204 is unlocked and at least partially moved away or spacedfrom its closed, first position against the framing assembly 212 (andover the opening 116 in the housing and the opening 252 in the framingassembly 212). In this position, the storage container 204 is movable inthe second direction 364 towards its open, second position within theinterior portion 120 of the storage library 100 (e.g., about pivot axis216 via motor 234 of FIG. 4a ).

FIG. 8b illustrates the locking assembly 300 after the storage container204 has been moved from its position in FIG. 8a towards (but not yet to)the framing assembly 212 in first direction 360 (e.g., via motor 234 ofFIG. 4a under control of the library controller in response to a load oreject operation request from a host computer). As seen, the triggermember 332 of storage container 204 makes an initial contact with wheel356 (or other appropriate portion) of release arm 324. Continuedmovement of the storage container 204 in the first direction 260 thenforces the release arm 324 of the second lever 308 to pivot or rotateupwardly in a clockwise direction about pivot axis 310 (e.g., via thecam surface 352 of the trigger member 332 engaging the wheel 256 and thestop member 344 inhibiting pivoting of the trigger member 332 aboutpivot axis 340). See FIG. 8 c.

As mentioned previously, the release arm 324 and locking portion 316 ofthe second lever 308 are non-movably connected to each other on oppositesides of pivot axis 310. In this regard, the upward clockwise movementof the release arm 324 about pivot axis 310 induced by the triggermember 332 induces a corresponding downward, clockwise movement of thelocking portion 316 about pivot axis 310 which pulls the tooth 378 ofthe locking portion 316 out of engagement with the securement member 372of the access door 208 (and thus unlocks the access door 208). Note howthe tooth 378 has moved downward in FIG. 8c from its position in FIG. 8b.

Furthermore, the clockwise movement of the release member 324 (and thusthe second lever 308 as a whole) about the pivot axis 310 at leastslightly stretches or loads the biasing member 328 interconnectedbetween the first and second levers 304, 308 which substantiallyinstantaneously induces a corresponding counterclockwise movement of thefirst lever 304 about pivot axis 306 upon the biasing member 328recoiling or otherwise moving back towards a relaxed or less stretchedposition. Specifically, it can be seen how first and second oppositeends of the biasing member 328 are attached to the first and secondlevers 304, 308 on opposite outside portions of the pivot axes 306, 310.In this regard, clockwise movement of the second lever 308 about pivotaxis 310 induces a corresponding counterclockwise movement of the firstlever 304 about pivot axis 306 while clockwise movement of the firstlever 304 about pivot axis 306 induces a corresponding counterclockwisemovement of the second lever 308 about pivot axis 310.

With additional reference now to FIG. 8d , the counterclockwise movementof the first lever 304 about the pivot axis 306 (induced by the triggermember 332 via the biasing member 328) forcibly urges the release arm320 of the first lever 304 against the trigger member 336 of the accessdoor 208 to force the access door 208 in the second direction 376towards its second, open position. See gap 386 between access door 208and framing assembly 212 in FIG. 8d . In other words, thecounterclockwise movement of the first lever 304 forces the release arm320 against the trigger member 336 to at least partially “pop open” theaccess door 208. Substantially simultaneous with the release arm 320popping open the access door 208, the locking portion 312 of the firstlever 304 moves downward into locking engagement with the securementmember 368 of the storage container 204. As shown in FIG. 8d , the tooth382 of the locking portion 312 has been moved in front of the securementmember 368 and the securement member 368 is seated in one of the notches384 of the locking portion 312. At this point, the storage container 204is locked against any attempted movement in the second direction 364 byvirtue of the tooth 382 blocking such movement of the securement member368; this may represent a closed, locked position of the storagecontainer 204.

In one arrangement, continued movement of the storage container 204 inthe first direction 360 towards the framing assembly 212 can result inincreasing degrees of locking of the storage container 204 to theframing assembly 212 (e.g., over the aperture 252 in the framingassembly 212 and the aperture 116 in the housing 103). For instance,FIG. 8e illustrates the locking assembly 300 after the storage container204 has been further moved in the first direction 360 towards theframing assembly 212. One observation is that the continued forcing ofthe trigger member 332 against the release member 324 results in thewheel 356 rolling up the cam surface 352 of the trigger member and thusthe second lever 308 pivoting about the pivot axis 310 in a clockwisedirection. Another observation is that the securement portion 368 hasslid partially along the first notch 384 towards an adjacent secondnotch 384 of the locking portion 312 of the first lever 304. A furthernote (while maybe not readily observable from the figures) is that theclockwise movement of the second lever 308 has at least partially loaded(stretched) the biasing member 328.

In FIG. 8e , the wheel 356 of the release portion 324 is at or near asubstantial upper or top portion of the trigger member 332. In thisregard, continued movement of the storage container 204 in the firstdirection 360 pushes the trigger member 332 past the wheel 356 andallows the wheel 356 to drop over the top of the trigger member 332 ontoan opposite side of the trigger member 332 and the second lever 308 topivot about the pivot axis 310 in a counterclockwise direction. See FIG.8f As shown, movement of the wheel 356 past the trigger member 332 hascaused the trigger member 332 to pivot about pivot axis 340 in adirection away from the stop member 344 (e.g., clockwise as shown in thefigures). More specifically, the spring force exerted by the loadedbiasing member 328 on the second lever 308 upon return to a lessstretched state facilitates the pivoting or rotation of the second lever308 about the pivot axis 310 and exerts a force against the triggermember 332 that is greater than a spring force of the biasing member 348previously holding the trigger member 332 against the stop member 344 topivot the trigger member 332 in the clockwise direction about pivot axis340 away from the stop member 344.

As the storage container 204 is moved further in the first direction360, a portion of the storage container 204 eventually makes contactwith a portion of the framing assembly 212 at which point the storagecontainer 204 is unable to be moved any further in the first direction360. See FIG. 8g . For instance, an outer peripheral portion 206 (e.g.,outer edge) of the storage container 204 (labeled in FIG. 6b ) may makeabutting contact with a corresponding inside peripheral edge or ledge214 (labeled in FIG. 6b ) that at least partially surrounds the aperture252 of the framing assembly 212. At substantially the same time that theouter peripheral portion 206 of the storage container 204 abuts theinner peripheral ledge 214 of the framing assembly 212, the securementportion 368 slides into a second notch 384 of the locking portion 312 ofthe first lever 304 and the biasing member 328 pivots the first lever304 about pivot axis 306 to tightly hold the second notch 384 over thesecurement portion 368. At this point, the storage container 204 isfurther locked against any attempted movement in the second direction364 (e.g., towards an open position away from the framing assembly 212)by virtue of inside walls of the second notch 384 blocking such movementof the securement member 368; this may represent another, further (e.g.,fully) closed and locked position of the storage container 204. It isalso noted how the biasing member 348 may return the trigger member 332to its position against stop member 344.

A customer may now grasp and open the access door 208 to its second openposition and load and/or remove media elements into or from the storagecontainer 204 via the opening 116 in the housing and the opening 252 ofthe framing assembly 212 of the CAP 200. For instance, see CAP 200 ₃ inFIGS. 1 and 3. However, the customer is unable to access or reach intothe interior portion 120 of the storage library 100 as the storagecontainer 204 is in its closed and locked first position over theopening 116 in the housing 104 with the backwall 226 of the storagecontainer 204 blocking any such access.

When the customer has completed the loading or removal of media elementsinto or from the storage container 204, the access door 208 may beclosed by the customer or in other appropriate manners (e.g., motorcontrol). More specifically, the access door 208 may be pivoted aboutpivot axis 238 from its second open position into its first closedposition over the opening 116 in the housing 104 (e.g., in one of thefirst or second service doors 108, 112) against the framing assembly 212of the CAP 200. For instance, the access door 208 may be pushed until anouter periphery (not labeled) of the access door 208 abuts an insideperipheral edge or ledge 215 of the framing assembly 212 (ledge 215labeled in FIGS. 3 and 6 a), where the peripheral ledges 214, 215 aregenerally on opposite sides of the framing assembly 212. See accessdoors 208 of CAPs 200 ₁, 200 ₂, 200 ₄ of FIGS. 1 and 4 a-4 c.

Turning now to FIG. 8h , a view of the latching assembly 300 and CAP 200are shown after the access door 208 has been moved in the firstdirection 374 into its first closed position. Note removal of gap 386between FIGS. 8g and 8h . One observation is that movement of the accessdoor 208 in the first direction 274 into its first closed positioncauses the securement member 372 of the access door 208 to make contactwith and force the tooth 378 of the locking portion 316 of the secondlever 308 downward (and thereby pivot the second lever 308 in aclockwise direction about pivot axis 310) to allow the tooth to movepast the securement member 372 and then snap back into place on anopposite side of the securement member 372. At this point, the accessdoor 208 is locked in its first closed position against movement of theaccess door 208 in the second direction 376 away from the framingassembly 212 (and thus away from the opening 116 in the housing 104).

Substantially simultaneous with aforementioned locking engagementbetween the locking portion 316 of the second lever 304 and thesecurement member 372 of the access door, the trigger member 336 of theaccess door makes contact with and forces the release arm 320 of thefirst lever in a clockwise direction about the pivot axis 306. Theclockwise movement of the first lever induced by closing of the accessdoor 208 moves the locking portion 312 of the first lever 304 away fromthe securement member 368 of the storage container 204 and therebyunlocks the storage container 204 from the framing assembly 212. SeeFIG. 8h . At this point, the storage container 204 can be moved in thesecond direction 364 (e.g., via motor 234 of FIG. 2b ) away from theframing assembly 212 (e.g., pivoted about the pivot axis 216) into itssecond open position within the interior portion 120 of the storagelibrary 100 whereby a robotics assembly 128 can slide in front of theopening 224 (e.g., slots 228) of the storage container 204 to insertand/or remove media elements thereinto or therefrom. See FIGS. 2b and 8i.

FIG. 8i illustrates how movement of the storage container 204 in thesecond direction 364 away from the framing assembly 212 causes the wheel356 of the release arm 324 to exert a force against the trigger member332 and thereby pivot the trigger member about pivot axis 340 in aclockwise direction against a return force being applied by biasingmember 348. After the wheel 356 has cleared the trigger member 332, thebiasing member 348 returns the trigger member 332 to its positionagainst stop member 344 in preparation for a subsequent closing andlocking of the storage container 204 to the framing assembly 212. SeeFIG. 8 a.

As discussed previously, one manner of storing media elements in thestorage library 100 (e.g., in the storage container 204 of a CAP 200,within the interior portion 120 of the storage library 100 against awall of the housing 104, etc.) is to load the media elements into amedia element storage module or magazine (e.g., media element storagemodule 126 of FIGS. 4a-4c , media element storage module 230 of FIG. 5,etc.) which may be appropriately mounted into the storage library 100(e.g., into the storage container 204, against a wall of the housing 104inside the interior portion 120, etc.). Existing media element storagemodules or magazines are often hung from a rod or the like inside a CAPor a port of the storage library. Other existing media element magazineloading arrangements require aligning and mounting componentry on themagazine (e.g., pins or slots) with corresponding mounting componentryon the inside of the CAP or port (e.g., the other of the pins or slots).However, these existing mounting arrangements can make the act ofmounting media element magazines into a CAP or port of a storage librarydifficult or burdensome when the CAP or port is not at eye or chestlevel or otherwise not at an ergonomically comfortable position.

Turning now to FIGS. 9a-9b , first and second exploded perspective viewsof a media element storage module or magazine 400 (e.g., media elementstorage module 230 of FIG. 5, media element storage module 126 of FIGS.4a-4c ) and a storage container 500 (e.g., storage container 204 of CAP200) having a housing or body 504 and a plurality of ports 508 withinthe housing 504 are shown. As will be discussed, the magazine 400 andports 508 have respective interengageable mounting or engagementcomponents that facilitate mounting (insertion) of the magazine 400 intoa port 508 and removal of the magazine 400 from the port 508 at variousdifferent heights and angles within a storage library (e.g., storagelibrary 100 of FIGS. 1-5). While the port(s) 508 will be discussed inthe content of a storage container 500 (e.g., storage container 204 ofCAP 200), it is to be understood that the one or more ports 508 may alsobe embodied in other contexts within a storage library, such as adjacentan inner wall of the housing 104 inside the interior portion 120 (i.e.,not necessarily in the swinging storage container 204 of CAP 200). Forinstance, one or more ports 508 may be appropriately disposed on theinside wall of the housing 104 for receipt of one or more of the mediaelement storage modules 126 of FIGS. 4a -4 c.

Broadly, the media element magazine 400 includes a housing 404 (e.g.,body, frame, etc.) generally defined by opposite first and second sideportions or side walls 408, 412, opposite upper and lower portions 416,420, and opposite front and rear portions 422, 426. The housing 404 alsodefines a plurality of vertically spaced, parallel slots 424 (e.g.,compartments, bays) for receipt of a corresponding plurality of mediaelements (e.g., tape cartridges). For instance, the plurality of slots424 may be formed by a plurality of shelves, grooves, ledges, and/or thelike (not labeled) formed between the first and second side walls 408,412 along the height of the magazine 400 between the upper and lowerportions 416, 420. The width, height, and depth of each of the slots 424may be selected to accommodate any appropriate media element formfactors.

The storage container 500 broadly includes a housing 504 that definesone or more ports 508 for receipt of one or more magazines 400 asdiscussed in more detailed below. For instance, each port 508 includesor is defined by first and second side portions or side walls 512, 516,opposite upper and lower portions or walls 520, 524, a back or rear wall528 (e.g., back wall 226 of FIG. 4a ). The width, height, and depth ofeach of the slots ports 508 may generally be selected to accommodate anyappropriate form factors of the magazines 400.

With reference now to FIGS. 9a-9b and 10a-10g the magazine 400 includesfirst and second mounting apparatuses 428, 432 that are respectivelyconnected to or formed on (or at least adjacent) the upper and lowerportions 416, 420 of the housing 404 and each port 508 includes firstand second mounting apparatuses 532, 536 that are respectively connectedto or formed on (or at least adjacent) the upper and lower portions orwalls 520, 524 of the port 508. The first mounting apparatus 428 of themagazine 400 is configured to engage with the first mounting apparatus532 of the port 508 and the second mounting apparatus 432 of themagazine 400 is configured to engage with the second mounting apparatus536 of the port 508. As will be discussed below, the first and secondmounting apparatuses 428, 432 of the magazine 400 and correspondingfirst and second mounting apparatuses 532, 536 of the port 508advantageously allow the magazine 400 to be inserted into the port 508with the upper portion 416 first, the lower portion 420 first, or withthe upper and lower portions 416, 420 substantially simultaneously whichfacilitates mounting of the magazine 400 into the port 508 at variousheights and at various angles.

As shown in FIGS. 9b, 10a, 10b and 10c , the first mounting apparatus532 of the port 508 may be in the form of a biasing member (e.g., leafspring) having a first portion 540 (e.g., first end) rigidly (e.g.,non-movably) secured or connected to or adjacent the upper wall 520(e.g., via fastener(s) extending through the first portion 540 and theupper wall 520). The first mounting apparatus 532 also includes anopposite second portion 544 (e.g., free end) disposed between the firstportion 540 and the back wall 528, where the second portion 544 spacedfrom the upper wall 520 and back wall 528 in a relaxed (non-deflected)position of the first mounting apparatus 532. A body portion 548interconnects the first and second portions 540, 544 and effectivelycantilevers the second portion 544 from the upper wall 520. Morespecifically, the body portion 548 slopes away from the first portion540 and upper wall 520 in a direction towards the back wall 528 in therelaxed position of the first mounting apparatus 532.

In one arrangement, the body portion 548 may include a first portion 552disposed at a first angle of inclination cu with respect to the upperwall 520 and a second portion 556 connected to the first portion 552that is disposed at a second angle of inclination α₂ with respect to theupper wall 520 that is greater than the first angle of inclination cu(e.g., in the relaxed state of the first mounting apparatus 532). Thisarrangement allows the second portion 544 of the first mountingapparatus 532 to exert a downward force against the upper portion 416 ofthe magazine 400 upon insertion of the magazine 400 into the port 508greater than the downward force that would be generated when the bodyportion 548 is of a single inclination between the first and secondportions 540, 544 or when the second angle of inclination α₂ is lessthan the first angle of inclination α₁.

As shown in FIGS. 9a, 10a, 10d and 10e , the second mounting apparatus536 of the port 508 may be in the form of a protrusion or projectiongenerally extending upwardly away from the lower wall 524 toward theupper wall 520. For instance, the second mounting apparatus 536 mayinclude a ramp having a first, leading ramp or cam surface 560 and asecond, trailing ramp or cam surface 564 between the first surface 560and the back wall 528. In one arrangement, the first surface 560 may bedisposed at a first angle of inclination θ₁ relative to the lower wall524 and the second surface 564 may be disposed at a second angle ofinclination θ₂ relative to the lower wall 524 that is greater than thefirst angle of inclination θ₁. Each of the first and second surfaces560, 564 may be directly attached to the lower wall 524 and may beconnected to each other at an apex 568. In one arrangement, the secondmounting apparatus 536 may be a portion of the bottom wall 524 that ispunched out of the bottom wall 524 in a direction towards the upper wall520. In another arrangement, the second mounting apparatus 536 may be aseparate piece that is appropriately mounted to the bottom wall 524(e.g., with fasteners, via welding, etc.). For instance, the secondmounting apparatus 536 may be in the form of a biasing member (e.g.,leaf spring or the like) that functions in a manner similar to the firstmounting apparatus 532 (e.g., to allow extraction of the magazine 400 bypulling outward on the bottom portion 420 of the magazine 400).

As mentioned above, the first mounting apparatus 428 of the magazine 400is configured to engage with the first mounting apparatus 532 of theport 508 during the loading and unloading of the magazine 400 into theport 508. Turning now to FIGS. 9a and 10f , the first mounting apparatus428 may be in the form of at least one protrusion or projectionextending away from the upper portion 416 of the magazine 400, such asadjacent the rear portion 426 of the magazine 400. For instance, thefirst mounting apparatus 428 may include a body 430 having a rearsurface 436, an opposite front surface 440, and an upper surface 444between the front and rear surfaces 436, 440. The rear surface 436tapers or slopes away from the upper surface 444 downwardly towards therear portion 426 of the magazine 400. In contrast, the front surface 440protrudes sharply from the upper portion 416 of the magazine 400 towardsthe upper surface 444.

As will be discussed in more detail below, the second portion 544 of thefirst mounting apparatus 532 of the port 508 is configured to ride alongthe rear surface 436 and then seat between the front surface 440 of thefirst mounting apparatus 428 of the magazine and the upper portion 416of the magazine during one manner of insertion of the magazine 400 intothe port 508. While the first mounting apparatus 428 is shown as havingfirst and second bodies 430 in FIGS. 9a and 10f , other embodimentsenvision that the first mounting apparatus 428 includes only a singlebody 430 disposed along a substantial entirety of a width of themagazine 400 between the first and second side walls 408, 412, or alongless than an entirety of the width of the magazine (e.g., over a centralportion of the magazine 400).

Furthermore, the second mounting apparatus 432 of the magazine 400 isconfigured to engage with the second mounting apparatus 536 of the port508 during the loading and unloading of the magazine 400 into the port508. Turning now to FIGS. 9b, 10g and 11b , the second mountingapparatus 432 may be in the form of a protrusion or projection generallyextending downwardly away from the lower portion 420 in a directionopposite the upper portion 416. For instance, the second mountingapparatus 432 may include a ramp having a first, leading ramp or camsurface 448 and a second, trailing ramp or cam surface 452, where thefirst surface 448 is positioned between the second ramp surface 452 andthe rear portion 426. In one arrangement, the first surface 448 may bedisposed at a first angle of inclination

₁ relative to the lower portion 420 of the magazine 400 and the secondsurface 452 may be disposed at a second angle of inclination

₂ relative to the lower portion 420 that is greater than the first angleof inclination

₁. Each of the first and second surfaces 448, 452 may be directlyattached to the lower portion 426 and may be connected to each other atan apex 456. In one arrangement, the second mounting apparatus 432 maybe an integral portion of the magazine 400 that is appropriately moldedwith the rest of the magazine 400. In another arrangement, the secondmounting apparatus may be a separate piece that is appropriately mountedto the bottom portion 420 (e.g., with fasteners, via welding, etc.).

To facilitate the reader's understanding of how the above-discussedmounting apparatuses engage to facilitate mounting and dismounting ofthe magazine 400 into and from the port 508 in numerous differentmanners (e.g., depending upon port height, user height, etc.), referencewill now be made to FIGS. 11a-14c which illustrate various successionsof sectional views of the magazine 400 and port 508 as the magazine 400is being inserted into the port 508. With initial reference to FIGS.11a-11b , the upper portion 416 of the magazine 400 is shown as beinginserted into the port 508 (with the rear portion 426 of the magazinegenerally facing the rear wall 528 of the port 508) and the firstmounting apparatus 428 of the magazine 400 making contact with the firstmounting apparatus 532 of the port 508 before the second mountingapparatus 432 of the magazine 400 makes contact with the second mountingapparatus 536 of the port 508.

More specifically, the rear surface 436 of the first mounting apparatus428 may contact the first portion 552 of the body 548 of the firstmounting apparatus 532 and slide therealong towards the second bodyportion 556. After the rear surface 436 has contacted and slid along thefirst body portion 552, the lower portion 420 of the magazine 420 maythen be inserted into the port 508 adjacent the lower wall 524 of theport 508 until the leading ramp surface 448 of the second mountingapparatus 432 of the magazine 400 contacts or is at least closelyadjacent the leading ramp surface 560 of the second mounting apparatus536 of the port 508. See FIG. 11c . With reference to FIGS. 11b-11c , itcan be seen how the user may effectively pivot the magazine 400 about apivot point formed by the first mounting apparatuses 428, 532 as thesecond mounting apparatus 432 moves from its position in FIG. 11b tothat in FIG. 11 c.

Turning now to FIG. 11d , continued urging of the top portion 416 of themagazine 400 (e.g., against the front portion 422) in a directiontowards the back wall 528 of the port 508 re-establishes or maintainscontacts between the rear surface 436 of the first mounting apparatus428 and the first body portion 552 and then deflects the first mountingapparatus 532 upwardly towards the upper wall 520 as the rear surface436 and upper surface 444 of the first mounting apparatus 428 contactthe second body portion 556. In this regard, the second body portion 556functions as a camming surface that translates or converts thesubstantially linear motion of the first mounting apparatus 428 along afirst axis or plane (as the upper portion 416 is being urged into theport 508) into an upward pivoting motion of the first mounting apparatus532 towards the upper wall 520 about the first portion 540 of the firstmounting apparatus 532. As the rear surface 436 of the first mountingapparatus 428 reaches the second (e.g., free) end 544 of the firstmounting apparatus 532 (again, during continued urging of the upperportion 416 of the magazine 400 into the port 508), the second end 544slides up the rear surface 436 resulting in further deflection of thefirst mounting apparatus 532 towards the upper wall 520 (thus making therear surface 436 a camming surface) and over the upper surface 444 (seeFIG. 11d ) before settling against the front surface 440 of the firstmounting apparatus 428 (see FIG. 11e ).

With reference to FIGS. 11d-11e , settling of the second end 544 of thefirst mounting apparatus 532 against the front surface 440 allows thefirst mounting apparatus 532 to return slightly towards its relaxed,non-deflected position. Furthermore, the second end 544 exerts adownward and rearward force against the front surface 440 and upperportion 416 of magazine (e.g., the rearward force being towards rearwall 528 of port 508) which captures or pins the first mountingapparatus 428 of the magazine 400 between the first mounting apparatus532 of the port 508 and the rear wall 528 of the port 508 and thus holdsthe upper portion 416 of the magazine 400 against removal from the port508 in a direction away from or opposite the rear surface 528. Stillfurther, an upper portion of the rear portion 426 of the magazine 400 isnow in contact with or closely adjacent the rear wall 528 of the port508.

As shown now in FIGS. 11f-11g , the lower portion 420 of the magazine400 can now be urged towards the rear wall 528 of the port 508. Morespecifically, the pinning of the first mounting apparatus 428 betweenthe second portion 544 of the first mounting apparatus 532 and the rearwall 528 of the port 508 allows the magazine 400 to pivot (e.g., in acounterclockwise direction) about the second portion 544 as the lowerportion 420 is being urged into the port 508. As the magazine 400pivots, the leading ramp surface 448 of the second mounting apparatus432 slides or rides up and along the leading ramp surface 560 of thesecond mounting apparatus 536 resulting in the entire magazine 400moving upwards towards the upper wall 520 of the port 508 and the firstmounting apparatus 532 being deflected again towards the upper wall 520.See FIG. 11 f.

With continued urging of the lower portion 420 of the magazine 400, theapex 456 of the second mounting apparatus 432 contacts the apex 568 ofthe second mounting apparatus 536 before the trailing ramping surface452 makes contact with and slides or rides along the trailing rampsurface 564. As the trailing ramp surface 452 slides along the trailingramp surface 564, a camming action between the two surfaces furtherpushes the lower portion 420 of the magazine 400 towards the rearsurface 528 of the port 508 as the lower portion 420 settles against thelower wall 524 of the port 508. Furthermore, the first mountingapparatus 532 slightly returns towards its relaxed position (note howfirst mounting apparatus 532 has slightly moved away from the upper wall520 in FIG. 11g as compared to in FIG. 11f ). Stated differently, thefirst mounting apparatus 532 may move from a first deflected position inFIG. 11f to a second deflected position in FIG. 11g , where the seconddeflected position is a lower state of deflection of the first mountingapparatus 532 than is the first deflected position.

At this point, the magazine 400 is now located and secured within theport 508 for manipulation by users or robotics assemblies of a storagelibrary. As discussed above, any attempt to pull the magazine 400 out ofthe port 508 in a first direction 600 away from the rear wall 528 of theport 508 (e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rearwall 528 of the port 508) would be resisted by the second portion 544 ofthe first mounting apparatus 532 applying a resistive force against thefront surface 440 of the first mounting apparatus 428. Furthermore,camming engagement between the trailing ramp surfaces 452, 564 wouldmove the magazine 400 in a slightly upward direction towards the uppersurface 520 further deflecting the first mounting apparatus 532 againstthe upper surface 520 and thus further urging the second end 544 of thefirst mounting apparatus 532 against the front surface 440 of the firstmounting apparatus 428.

To remove the magazine 400 from the port 508, the magazine 400 may belifted or pushed in a second (e.g., upward) direction 604 (e.g.,perpendicular to the first direction 600 and parallel to the rear wall528), such as from the top portion 416 or bottom portion 420 of themagazine 400. Stated differently, the magazine 400 may be moved in thesecond direction 604 in a manner so that the rear portion 426 of themagazine 400 slides along or moves substantially parallel to the rearwall 528 of the port 508 (and so that the trailing ramp surface 452separates from the trailing ramp surface 564). This movement of themagazine 400 results in the first mounting apparatus 428 moving upwardlytowards the upper wall 520 through the space between the second portion544 of the first mounting apparatus 532 and the rear wall 528 and thefirst mounting apparatus 532 being deflected towards the upper wall 520.

The amount of deflection of the first mounting apparatus 532 allowed maybe selected so that the apex 456 of the second mounting apparatus 432can be at least just lifted or pushed over the apex 568 of the secondmounting apparatus 536 and the magazine 400 pivoted (e.g., in aclockwise direction) about the second portion 544 of the first mountingapparatus 532 in a direction opposite than when the lower portion 420was being pushed into the port 508. For instance, compare FIGS. 11 f and11 e. Continued pivoting of the magazine 400 about the second portion544 of the first mounting apparatus 532 (e.g., via pulling on themagazine 400 near the lower portion 420) eventually releases the firstmounting apparatus 428 from the first mounting apparatus 532 andeventually allows the magazine 400 to be fully removed from the port508.

FIGS. 12a-12e present another succession of sectional views of themagazine 400 and port 508 as the magazine 400 is being inserted into theport 508 in another manner of mounting. In FIG. 12a , the upper portion416 of the magazine 400 may be inserted into the port 508 (with the rearportion 426 of the magazine 400 generally facing the rear wall 528 ofthe port 508) so that the first mounting apparatus 428 of the magazine400 makes contact with the rear wall 528 of the port 508 (instead of thefirst mounting apparatus 428 making contact with the first body portionof the first mounting apparatus 532 is discussed in relation to FIGS.11a-11b ). The magazine 400 may then be urged along a direction 608(e.g., non-perpendicular and non-parallel to each of directions 600, 604of FIG. 11g ) so that the first mounting apparatus 428 slides upwardlyalong the rear wall 528 into a gap 572 between the second portion 544 ofthe first mounting apparatus 532 and the rear wall 528. See FIGS. 12b-12 c.

In one arrangement, a front edge 576 of the lower wall 524 of the portmay slidingly support the rear portion 426 of the magazine 400 as themagazine 400 is being urged in the direction 608 to facilitate smoothinsertion of the magazine 400 into the port 508. See FIG. 12a .Additionally, the upper portion 416 of the magazine 400 may eventuallycontact a front edge 580 of the upper wall 520 of the port 508 tofacilitate insertion of the lower portion 420 of the magazine 400 intothe port 508. See FIGS. 12b-12c . More specifically, the magazine 400may be initially pivoted about the front edge 580 of the port 508 (e.g.,in a counterclockwise direction) so that the lower portion 420 of themagazine 400 clears the lower wall 524 of the port 508 and begins movingtowards the rear wall 528 of the port 508. Once the front surface 440 ofthe first mounting apparatus 428 engages the second portion 544 of thefirst mounting apparatus 532 and the second portion 544 begins applyinga resistive force against the front surface 440, the upper portion 416of the magazine 400 may separate from the front edge 580 of the port 508and the magazine may continuing pivoting in the same direction (e.g., inthe counterclockwise direction) about the second portion 544 of thefirst mounting apparatus 532. A user may now complete the insertion ofthe magazine 400 into the port 508 as discussed previously in relationto FIGS. 11f-11g . See FIGS. 12d -12 e.

FIGS. 13a-13e present another succession of sectional views of themagazine 400 and port 508 as the magazine 400 is being inserted into theport 508 in another manner of mounting. In FIG. 13a , the lower portion420 of the magazine 400 may be inserted into the port 508 (with the rearportion 426 of the magazine 400 generally facing the rear wall 528 ofthe port 508) so that the leading ramp surface 448 of the secondmounting apparatus 432 contacts and slides along the leading rampsurface 560 of the second mounting apparatus 536. See FIGS. 13b-13c .After the apex 456 of the second mounting apparatus 432 contacts theapex 568 of the leading ramp surface 560 (see FIG. 13c ), the trailingramping surface 452 makes contact with and slides along the trailingramp surface 564 creating a camming action that pushes the lower portion420 of the magazine 400 towards the rear surface 528 of the port 508before the apex 456 settles against the lower wall 524 of the port 508(see FIG. 13d ).

The upper portion 416 of the magazine 400 can then be urged or forcedtowards the rear wall 528 of the port 508 and the magazine 400 pivotedabout trailing ramp surface 564 of the second mounting apparatus 536 sothat the first mounting apparatus 428 of the magazine 400 contacts andslides along the first mounting apparatus 532 of the port 508. Continuedurging of the upper portion 416 of the magazine 400 causes the firstmounting apparatus 432 to deflect the first mounting apparatus 532towards the upper wall and the second portion 544 of the first mountingapparatus 532 to slide over the first mounting apparatus 428 until it isseated against the front surface 440 of the first mounting apparatus432. At this point, the magazine 400 is located and secured within theport 508 for manipulation by users or robotics assemblies of a storagelibrary.

FIGS. 14a-14c present another succession of sectional views of themagazine 400 and port 508 as the magazine 400 is being inserted into theport 508 in another manner of mounting. As shown in FIG. 14a , the upperand lower portions 416, 420 of the magazine 400 may be inserted into theport 508 adjacent the upper and lower walls 520, 524 of the port 508substantially simultaneously (e.g. in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the rear wall 528). For instance, continued urging ofthe upper and lower portions 416, 420 of the magazine 400 may result inthe first mounting apparatus 428 contacting the first mounting apparatus532 and the second mounting apparatus 432 contacting the second mountingapparatus 536 substantially simultaneously and the first and secondmounting apparatuses 428, 432 eventually seating behind the first andsecond mounting apparatuses 532, 536 to locate and secure the magazine400 within the port 508.

It will be readily appreciated that many additions and/or deviations maybe made from the specific embodiments disclosed in the specificationwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As anexample, various sensors may be appropriately located throughout thestorage library 100 to detect one or more events or occurrences andsignal the library controller or host computer regarding the same. Forinstance, sensors may be appropriately located throughout the storagelibrary 100 to detect when a storage container 204 of a particular CAP200 is in its first position against an opening 116 in the housing 104(e.g., like storage container 204 of CAP 200 ₃ in FIG. 4a ), when astorage container 204 of a particular CAP 200 is in its second positionwithin the interior portion 120 (e.g., like storage container 204 of CAP200 ₄ in FIG. 4a ), when a particular robotics assembly 128 is in theloading zone 124 of a particular CAP 200 (e.g., like robotics assembly128 of CAP 200 ₁ in FIG. 4a ), etc. The library controller may processthe received signals to move robotics assemblies 128 into and out ofloading zones 124, allow storage containers 204 to be moved throughtheir respective loading zones 124 into either their first or secondpositions, and/or the like in a manner that limits unintended movementsand/or damage among or between various components of the storage library100.

In one arrangement, an inside surface of the access door 208 (e.g., thesurface configured to face the opening 116 in the housing 104 and theopening 252 in the framing assembly 212, not labeled) may include one ormore features or components configured to contact any media elementsprotruding from the opening 224/slots 228 of the storage container 204and urge any such media elements into a fully (or substantially fully)seated position within the opening 224/slots 228 as the access door 208is being moved into its closed, first position. For instance, one ormore ribs or splines 268 may be appropriately connected or attached tothe inside surface of the access door 208 so as to protrude from theinside surface along a height dimension of the access door. See FIGS. 5and 6 a. Upon loading of media elements into slots 228 of the opening224 (slots not shown in FIG. 6a , but see slots 228 in FIG. 3), closureof the access door 208 into its closed first position over the opening116 in the housing 104 and the opening 252 in the framing assembly 212induces contact between the splines 268 and the media elements to pushany protruding media elements fully into the slots 228. With the mediaelements are substantially fully seated in the storage container 204,the storage container 204 may then be moved (pivoted) into its secondposition within the interior portion 120 of the storage library 100. Seestorage container 204 of CAP 200 ₃ in FIGS. 4b -4 c.

In another arrangement, each CAP 200 may include more than one accessdoor 208 configured to selectively cover the opening 116 through thehousing or allow access therethrough. As an example, each CAP 200 mayinclude first and second access doors 208 that are respectivelypivotally secured to the first and second vertical members 258, 260 (orto the first and second horizontal members 262, 264) of the framingassembly 212. For instance, the latching assembly 300 may beappropriately configured to lock the access doors 208 in their closedpositions over the opening 116 when the storage container 204 is in itsopen, second position within the interior portion 120 of the storagelibrary 100 and unlock the access doors 208 to allow the access doors208 to be moved into an open position away from the opening 116 when thestorage container 204 is in its closed, first position against theopening 116.

In a further arrangement, while clockwise rotation of the second lever308 has been discussed as inducing counterclockwise rotation of thefirst lever 304 to lock the storage container 204 and clockwise rotationof the first lever 304 has been discussed as inducing counterclockwiserotation of the second lever 308 to lock the access door 208, thereverse arrangement is also encompassed herein whereby counterclockwiserotation of the second lever 308 induces clockwise rotation of the firstlever to lock the storage container 204 and counterclockwise rotation ofthe first lever induces clockwise rotation of the second lever 308 tolock the access door 208. Additionally, the first and second levers 304,308 could in some arrangements be referred to as the second and firstlevers, respectively (e.g., in addition to the first door/storagecontainer 204 and second door/access door 208).

In one embodiment, the first mounting apparatuses 428 could be disposedcloser to the front portion 422 and the first mounting apparatus 532could be disposed closer to the front opening 510 than as shown in thefigures. In another embodiment, the biasing member of the first mountingapparatus 532 of the port could be disposed on the upper portion 416 ofthe magazine 400 while the protrusion(s) of the first mounting apparatus428 of the magazine could be disposed on the upper portion 520 of theport 508. In this arrangement, the biasing member would be connected tothe upper portion 416 of the magazine and configured to generally slopeaway from the upper portion 416 towards the front opening 510 in therelaxed position of the biasing member. Also in this arrangement, theprotrusion extending away from the upper portion 520 of the port 508would have a front, stop surface facing the rear wall 528 of the port508 (instead of facing away from the rear wall 528 towards the frontopening 510 as shown in FIGS. 11a-14c , for instance.

As another example, while the first and second mounting apparatuses 428,432 and 532, 536 of the magazine 400 and port 508 were illustrated inFIGS. 9a-14c as being respectively disposed adjacent the upper and lowerportions of the magazine 400 and port 508, other embodiments envisionthat the first and second mounting apparatuses 428, 432 and 532, 536could alternatively be disposed adjacent the first and second side wallsor side portions of the magazine 400 and port 508. In this regard, auser could insert either of the first or second side portions 408, 412of the magazine 400 into the port 508 first followed by the other of thefirst or second side portions 408, 412 (or could insert the first andsecond side portions 408, 412 into the port 508 simultaneously). In thisarrangement, for instance, the first mounting apparatus 532 of the port508 would be secured to one of the first or second sidewalls 512, 516 ofport 508 and be configured to deflect towards the one of the first orsecond sidewalls 512, 516 upon contact by the first mounting apparatus428 of the magazine 400 as discussed herein.

Some embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as one or morecomputer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer programinstructions encoded on a computer-readable medium for execution by, orto control the operation of, data processing apparatus. For example, thehost computer, library controller, and/or the like may be provided insuch computer-readable medium and executed by one or more processors(e.g., processing units, processing cores, or the like). Thecomputer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, amachine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a non-volatilecomputer-readable medium, a composition of matter affecting amachine-readable propagated signal, or a combination of one or more ofthem.

One or more various combinations of the above discussed arrangements andembodiments are also envisioned. While this disclosure contains manyspecifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope ofthe disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular embodiments of the disclosure.Furthermore, certain features that are described in this specificationin the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented incombination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features thatare described in the context of a single embodiment can also beimplemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and/or parallelprocessing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of varioussystem components in the embodiments described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and itshould be understood that the described program components and systemscan generally be integrated together in a single software and/orhardware product or packaged into multiple software and/or hardwareproducts.

The above described embodiments including the preferred embodiment andthe best mode of the invention known to the inventor at the time offiling are given by illustrative examples only.

We claim:
 1. A method of operating a media element storage library,comprising: receiving at least one media element in at least one openingof a storage container through an opening in a wall of the media elementstorage library; swinging the storage container away from the opening inthe wall; removing, by a robotics assembly, the at least one mediaelement from the at least one opening of the storage container; anddetermining, by the library controller after the at least one mediaelement is received in the at least one opening of the storage containerthrough the opening in the wall of the media element storage library,that the robotics assembly is out of the loading zone, wherein theswinging the storage container away from the opening in the wall occursin response to the determining that the robotics assembly is out of theloading zone.
 2. The method of claim 1, further including: moving therobotics assembly to a location in the media element storage libraryspaced from the storage container; and inserting the media element intoa slot in the media element storage library.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the slot is in one of a media element magazine or a mediaelement drive.
 4. The method of claim 3, further including: receiving,at a library controller of the media element storage library, a requestto load a media element into the media element storage library; andswinging, in response to the received request, the storage containerthrough a loading zone of the media element storage library towards theopening in the wall.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least oneopening of the storage container faces outwardly through the opening inthe wall of the media element storage library.
 6. The method of claim 1,further including: receiving, at a library controller of the mediaelement storage library, a request to load a media element into themedia element storage library; and swinging, in response to the receivedrequest, the storage container through a loading zone of the mediaelement storage library towards the opening in the wall.
 7. A method ofoperating a media element storage library, comprising: receiving atleast one media element in at least one opening of a storage containerthrough an opening in a wall of the media element storage library;swinging the storage container away from the opening in the wall;removing, by a robotics assembly, the at least one media element fromthe at least one opening of the storage container; moving the roboticsassembly to a location in the media element storage library spaced fromthe storage container; inserting the media element into a slot in themedia element storage library, wherein the slot is in one of a mediaelement magazine or a media element drive; receiving, at a librarycontroller of the media element storage library, a request to load amedia element into the media element storage library; swinging, inresponse to the received request, the storage container through aloading zone of the media element storage library towards the opening inthe wall; and determining, by the library controller in response to thereceived request, that the robotics assembly is out of the loading zone,wherein the swinging the storage container through the loading zone ofthe media element storage library occurs in response to the determining.8. A method of operating a media element storage library, comprising:receiving at least one media element in at least one opening of astorage container through an opening in a wall of the media elementstorage library; swinging the storage container away from the opening inthe wall; removing, by a robotics assembly, the at least one mediaelement from the at least one opening of the storage container; movingthe robotics assembly to a location in the media element storage libraryspaced from the storage container; inserting the media element into aslot in the media element storage library, wherein the slot is in one ofa media element magazine or a media element drive; removing, by therobotics assembly, another media element from another slot in the mediaelement storage library; moving the robotics assembly into a loadingzone of the media element storage library; and inserting the other mediaelement into an opening of the storage container.
 9. A method ofoperating a media element storage library, comprising: receiving atleast one media element in at least one opening of a storage containerthrough an opening in a wall of the media element storage library;swinging the storage container away from the opening in the wall;removing, by a robotics assembly, the at least one media element fromthe at least one opening of the storage container; receiving, at alibrary controller of the media element storage library, a request toload a media element into the media element storage library; swinging,in response to the received request, the storage container through aloading zone of the media element storage library towards the opening inthe wall; and determining, by the library controller in response to thereceived request, that the robotics assembly is out of the loading zone,wherein the swinging the storage container through the loading zonetowards the opening in the wall occurs in response to the determiningthat the robotics assembly is out of the loading zone.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, further including: determining, by the library controller afterthe at least one media element is received in the at least one openingof the storage container through the opening in the wall of the mediaelement storage library, that the robotics assembly is out of theloading zone, wherein the swinging the storage container away from theopening in the wall occurs in response to the determining that therobotics assembly is out of the loading zone.
 11. A method of operatinga media element storage library, comprising receiving, at a librarycontroller of the media element storage library, a request for a filestored in the media element storage library; identifying, by the librarycontroller, a media element within the media element storage library onwhich the file is stored; triggering, in response to the identifying, arobotics assembly within the media element storage library to: retrievethe media element from a slot in the media element storage library; andinsert the media element into at least one opening in a storagecontainer; pivoting the storage container into a position adjacent anopening in a wall of the media element storage library so that the mediaelement is accessible through the opening in the wall; unlocking, inresponse to the storage container reaching the position, an access doorover the opening in the wall; and locking, in response to the storagecontainer reaching the position, the storage container in the position,wherein the unlocking and locking occur substantially simultaneously.12. The method of claim 11, further including: moving the roboticsassembly away from the storage container.
 13. The method of claim 11,wherein the slot is in one of a media element magazine or a mediaelement drive.
 14. The method of claim 11, further including: moving therobotics assembly through the media element storage library into aloading zone in front of the storage container.
 15. The method of claim14, further including: moving the robotics assembly out of the loadingzone.